Understanding Oral Care Probiotics

What ARE Probiotics

Probiotics are a hot topic in the media today. Want to be more “regular”? Try this yogurt with probiotics. Want to boost your immune health? Try a supplement or another yogurt with probiotics known to support the immune system. In fact, yogurt has long been the delivery system for the beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. So, if you’re the average American who spends time on the Internet or watching TV, it’s likely you’ve heard about probiotics

What Exactly ARE Probiotics?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria.

There are billions of bacteria in the human body. Actually, it’s thought that there are more bacteria in the human body than the cells that comprise the human body. Most of these beneficial bacteria are basically inert, causing no harm and offering no benefit.

Some of the bacteria in our bodies is harmful. These are what cause your head-cold, your stomach illness and many lesser known health issues.

When  harmful bacteria launch wage war, the beneficial bacteria in the body are right there waiting to fight back. If the beneficial bacteria in your body aren’t prepared to fight off the bad bacteria, you may end up with an infection and a prescription for antibiotics.

The use of probiotics -  be they food additives, supplements or any of the array of products which now include beneficial bacteria – help maintain a healthy balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the body.

Probiotics Benefit Mouth, Too

Research has shown that not only are probiotics beneficial for digestive health, they can also affect your oral health. By blending three beneficial bacteria commonly found in very health mouths, researchers at Oragenics, Inc. have created oral care probiotics for the entire family, focusing on maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. EvoraPro is a professional-strength oral-care probiotic meant for use after a professional dental cleaning or scaling. EvoraPlus is an oral care mint, which, when used twice daily, can help support gum and tooth health, freshen breath and naturally and gently whiten teeth. EvoraPlus is blended specifically to address the oral care needs of the those over the age of 10. EvoraKids oral care probiotics are blended to address the oral care needs of children ages 3-10. And even your pets can have fresher breath and whiter, cleaner teeth with Teddy’s Pride oral care probiotics for cats and dogs.

Doggy Dental Downers

What’s Happening In Fido’s Mouth?

Whether your pooch has stinky smooches or crooked teeth, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on what goes on inside his mouth. Just ask your veterinarian – your dog’s mouth is the gateway to his good health.

Here are some common oral conditions dogs may encounter:

Calculus, or tartar. Tartar looks a little different in dogs than it does in humans. In dogs, calculus is generally brown (instead of yellow, as it is in humans). This condition, which overlaps both the tooth and the gum line, is one of the most common dental problems that dogs may encounter. If left untreated, calculus can lead to abscesses and tooth loss. Moreover, an extreme case of calculus can lead to internal organ damage because bacteria can travel from the teeth into the blood stream.

Brushing your dog’s teeth, or gently rubbing his teeth with gauze, will help prevent the buildup and subsequent hardening of plaque and forming of calculus.

Malocclusions. This dental problem that is commonly faced by puppies when an adult tooth erupts before the baby tooth has fallen out. This can cause inflammation and tooth breakdown, and, if left untreated, sometimes causes an infection. Malocclusions can also cause adult teeth to erupt in the wrong position. Malocclusions cannot be prevented, but keeping an eye out for them can keep them from causing any harm. The critical window to monitor your puppy’s mouth is between 14 and 24 weeks old. If you suspect an adult tooth is growing in below or behind a baby tooth, call your dog’s veterinarian.

Gingivitis. Just like in humans, harmful bacteria in the mouth can build up on teeth, causing inflammation. This is called gingivitis. This inflammation can, in turn, lead to receding gums, loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss. This is another reason to make sure your dog’s teeth are free from plaque.

Periodontal disease. Harmful bacteria strikes again! Periodontal disease is a serious, harmful condition caused by an imbalance of harmful bacteria in your dog’s mouth. One of the primary symptoms of periodontal disease in dogs is bleeding gum, so look for red or dark brown spots on your dogs chew toys. Severe periodontal disease in dogs has been linked to kidney failure, heart conditions and other life-threatening illnesses. If you suspect your dog has periodontal disease, be sure to contact your vet right away.

You can keep Fido’s breath sweet as a puppy’s and his teeth clean and white by adding a scoop of oral care probiotics to his food once daily. These beneficial bacteria crowd out the bacteria known to cause bad breath.

Second-Hand Smoke

Study Finds Link Between Pet’s Health Problems and Owner’s Smoking Habits

Quitting smoking is difficult, but researchers have found one more reason to add to your list: it could be making your cat or dog sick.

Research conducted at Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts showed a link between cats diagnosed with lymph node cancer and contact with second-hand smoke, revealing that cats exposed to secondhand smoke developed lymphoma twice as often as cats in smoke-free homes.

The probably link revealed by the study is likely the way cats groom themselves – because cats groom themselves often, they lick the carcinogens that have been deposited on their fur, causing problems like oral cancer.

Dr. Carolynn Mac Allister, a veterinarian at Oklahoma State University, said cat health is compromised because the grooming “exposes the mucous membrane of their mouth to the cancer-causing carcinogens,” ScienceDaily.com reported.

Additionally, studies have shown that dogs exposed to smoke also had a higher chance of getting cancer. Specifically, dogs with long noses often develop nasal cancer as a result of being exposed to secondhand smoke. Short-nosed and medium dogs often develop lung cancer as a result of being exposed to secondhand smoke.

If quitting isn’t quite in the cards for you today but you would like to do what you can to protect your pets from secondhand smoke, consider smoking outside, or limiting smoking to a designated area of the house to which your pets are not allowed.

Stinky Kitty Kisses

What Your Cat’s Bad Breath Could Be Telling You

Does your kitty like to kiss your face? Your chin?

The old wives tale says that when a cat rubs against you with her face – be it your leg, your face, your hand… you get the picture! – she is being affectionate. That’s super cute and sweet, but if she’s rubbing against your face and she has fishy kitty breath? Yuck.

Why do Cats Develop Bad Breath?

Sometimes our cats develop bad breath for the very same reason we might develop bad breath if we never cared for our teeth. A simple build-up of plaque and tartar on your kitty-friend’s teeth can act as a fantastic breeding ground for the bacteria that produce the volatile sulfur compounds responsible for bad breath.

Simply learning to brush your cat’s teeth two to three times each week could eliminate her bad breath. If you’re not that patient, or if you think your cat might not be game for a good tooth brushing, you may consider sprinkling oral care probiotics on her food once a day. These friendly bacteria help reestablish the bacterial balance in your cat’s mouth, crowding out the bacteria responsible for foul-smelling breath.

If your cat’s bad breath cannot be resolved by basic oral care, it could be a sign that something is wrong. If your cat has consistently bad breath, take her to the vet.

If you notice that your cat’s breath smells, look for signs of dental or gum disorders:

• Does your cat seem to be in pain?
• Has her appetite decrease, or does she seem to struggle eating?
• Is you cat unable to keep food in her mouth once she gets it there?
• Does she paw at her mouth?
• Has she begun drooling?

All of the above are symptoms of a dental disorder, which could include an abcessed or damaged tooth, gum disease or even the presence of a foreign object lodged between teeth.

Other Causes of Bad Breath in Kitties

There are also several other underlying conditions that cause feline bad breath that can only be successfully diagnosed by your veterinarian, including kidney disease, feline leukemia virus and feline stomatitis.

Penny Pinching

Money Saving Tips for Frugal Pet Owners

As the national rate of unemployment has risen to numbers we haven’t experienced in America for decades, many are considering ways to trim their household budgets and generally spend less.

Luckily there are many simple ways you can trim the expenses of pet ownership.

Tips for Cutting the Expenses of Owning a Pet

Keep track of your pet’s medical needs. If you pet has special medical needs, your veterinarian may have suggestions about how to keep bills under control. If not, seek advice online or from a local shelter. Sometimes shelters sponsor clinic days with local veterinarians who are willing to impart services at lower costs.

Stock up and save. Buying in bulk is a great way to spend less on everything from kitty litter to dog treats. It not only saves you money per serving (or use), it also saves time and gas money.

Take care of oral care. One of the biggest health challenges for pets may be one of the least discussed, and that is, if you don’t take care of your pet’s mouth, it could lead to major health problems down the road. Poor oral care in pets is associated with kidney failure and other serious health concerns. Make sure your pet’s teeth are clean and healthy.

Keep on track with vaccinations and preventative medications. Giving  your pet the medications he needs to keep harmful illnesses and predators (such as ticks and fleas) is much cheaper in the long run than treating an illness or trying to rid a pet – and your house! – of an infestation. This is especially important as veterinarians are reporting a high rate of Lyme disease in pets in areas where Lyme is also epidemic in humans. Treating conditions like Lyme can be costly and time consuming.

Make sure your pet gets exercise. Pets that go for several long walks each week are less likely to have problems with weight and with their joints. Walking is as good for your pet’s health (especially your dog!). Again, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Taking simple steps to curb excess spending on pets is a great way to trim your budget and ensure that your pet has the best possible health.

Easy Ways to Save!

Simple Money Saving Tips For Grooming Your Dog At-Home

Taking your dog’s grooming into your own hands is a great way to cut back on the expense of owning a pet, especially this time of year when the hot, sticky summer weather requires more bathing and grooming.

Bathing, nail trimming and oral care are some of the many ways you can be involved in grooming your dog. Here are some tips to help you curb your expenses at the groomers.

Invest In a Good Shedding Brush

If you don’t brush your dog with a good grooming rake or shedding brush before putting him in the tub, his loose hair and dirt will end up everywhere – on your hands, in the tub and down the drain. The world’s best-selling shedding brush is called the Furminator for a reason – it truly does remove a lot of loose dog hair, especially if your dog sheds a lot.

Nail Trimming Tips

Nail trimmers are another area where you want to spend your money wisely. Buying quality clippers will help you avoid splitting a nail, which not only hurts your dog – it could lead to an infection.

Unless your dog is super calm and cooperative, you might want to try clipping his nails while he sleeps, at least until you get your technique down. Be sure to trim only the very ends of the nails and to not nip the quick, which can cause pain and bleeding.

Getting Into the Bath

When it comes to bathing, each dog generally has his own preferences. Some dogs don’t mind a soapy romp with the hose in the backyard. Other dogs may prefer to be immersed in warm water. If it’s the first time you’re bathing your dog, try to find someone to lend a hand, in case you need it. It’s nice to have one person in charge of soaping and making sure the soap is thoroughly rinsed while the other runs the water.

Cleaning Teeth

It’s recommended that we brush our dogs’ teeth three times each week, if not every day. If your dog has smelly kisses, you probably understand that recommendation. A much simpler way to keep your dog’s teeth clean is to simply sprinkle Teddy’s Pride Oral Care Probiotics on his food once a day. Unlike any other pet oral care product available, the ProBiora3™ probiotics included in Teddy’s Pride™ Oral Care have been formulated to inhibit the growth of the bacteria that cause bad breath.

You don’t need to know all the tips of the grooming trade to keep your dog clean and fresh smelling at home! Just roll up your sleeves, roll out the hose and say goodbye to doggy smell!

My Puppy Chewed My Shoe!

Tips to Curb Your Puppy’s Chewing

It’s nearly inevitable. You get a new puppy and things are going pretty well until she finds your shoe closet and destroys your favorite summer sling-backs, or until you arrive home one afternoon to find that one of your dining room chairs only has three legs now.

Why Do Puppies Chew?

Puppies chew for a variety of reasons. The biggest reason behind the incessant destruction of anything they can get their mouths on is simple discomfort. That’s right – just like human babies chew pacifiers and teething toys, puppies chew to ease teething pain. Take a peek inside your puppy’s mouth to get an idea of what he might be feeling as dozens of razor sharp teeth erupt through his gums. If the chewing is teething related, make sure to offer plenty of chew toys as alternatives to your belongings.

Puppies also chew out of boredom, to get attention, and to explore their environment.

Tips to Curb Puppy’s Chewing

To get your dog’s chewing under control, it’s a good idea to try to figure out what’s causing him to chew. If the answer is boredom or to get attention, here are some things to try:

1.    Don’t let the dog out of your sight. Use baby gates or other safe barricades to keep the dog from wandering from room to room.

2.    Use a dog crate when you’re not home. Dogs will chew anything in the room, including floor moldings and furniture, so gating the dog in a room while you’re not home isn’t enough to keep him from chewing anything he can sink his teeth into.

3.    Teach your puppy the “no bite” command and stick to it. Never allow him to bite humans, especially children. If your dog is too rough with kids, remove him from the situation.

4.    Don’t play tug of war. Any time a dog wins against a human in a game of dominance, he will assume his is the pack leader and he is in charge. This will undermine your ability to train him to respond appropriately to your commands.

My Cat’s Tooth Fell Out!

Calling the Tooth Fairy – What to Do When Your Cat Loses a Tooth

It’s not really that uncommon – You find your cat’s tooth stuck in the carpet where she was attacking some catnip; in your sweater after you snuggle her; in the toe of your toddler’s footed pajamas. But even if it’s not uncommon, what does it mean?

According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, 70 percent of cats suffer from periodontal disease by the age of three – and given the fact that few of us actually brush our cats’ teeth, it’s little wonder. In fact, dental conditions are the most common reason (aside from well-kitty checks and vaccinations) that veterinarians see cats in their offices.

Common Feline Dental Conditions

Gingivitis – Just as in humans, Fluffy’s gums can become swollen and painful, and even cause frequent bleeding. If left unresolved, gingivitis can eventually cause teeth to fall out.

Endodontic Disease – Cats frequently suffer from an inflammation of the pulp of the tooth. Left untreated, severe inflammation of the pulp can cause the tooth pulp dies. The process is painful, but once the tooth dies, the pain has ended.

Tooth Abscess – Feline tooth abscesses can be caused by any advanced dental disease as well as tooth fractures, which can introduce bacteria both to the root of the tooth and into the bloodstream.

Periodontal Disease – Just like in humans, gingivitis can advance to the stage where it is considered periodontal disease, where plaque forms tartar, causing pockets of infection between the teeth and the gums. Bacteria is able to enter the bloodstream through these pockets as well.

So What Should I Do if Fluffy Loses a Tooth?

Call the vet right away. Any of the above listed conditions need immediate medical attention.

To combat the bad breath associated with any feline dental condition, consider adding oral care probiotics to their food. One simple sprinkle a day will help keep that bad breath at bay.

Dog Days of Summer

Preventing Dehydration in Pets

In these, the hottest months of the year, dehydration is a very common concern for dog and cat owners.

For instance, a dog’s weight is comprised of more than 90 percent water. If your furry buddy loses just 5 percent of his water weight due to excessive heat, he could quickly and easily become very ill.

Dehydration isn’t just about water loss, either. A dog or cat is dehydrated when she loses both water and the minerals in the water (electrolytes), such as sodium, chloride and potassium.

In the excessive heat of summer days, dogs and cats who don’t have enough water to replenish fluids lost to panting and urinating (remember, dogs and cats don’t sweat like we humans do!) or an increase in water loss from illness or injury can very easily end up dehydrated.

Signs of Pet Dehydration

Decreased Skin Elasticity – If a dogs skin doesn’t snap back into place immediately after being pulled, it’s likely he’s dehydrated.

Dull, Sticky Gums – healthy dogs have wet, slippery gums. A dehydrated dog’s gums are dull and sticky.

Lethargy – If your normally non-stop, on-the-go dog suddenly wants nothing to do with his Frisbee, it may be due to dehydration.

Depression – As a pet parent, you know when your dog or cat is simply not herself. Depression is a strong sign of dehydration. It’s hard for a cat or dog to show interest in life if she is feeling ill.

Sunken Eyes – This is another symptom that speaks for itself. You know how your dog or cat should look. If their faces suddenly look different and their eyes have less sparkle, it could mean they are dehydrated.

How to Prevent Dehydration in Pets

Keep them out of the sun! If you like to let your pets outside for fresh air for an extended period, be sure they have plenty of shade in which to rest.

Keep their water bowls full of fresh, cool water.

Don’t overwork them. Even if Teddy loves, loves, loves his Frisbee action, keep activity levels low on very hot days.

Give ‘em a little ice. Throw a few ice cubes into the water dish to ensure that both the water lasts longer and stays cool longer.

Stinky Kisses!

A Simple Way to Kiss Dog Breath Goodbye

There’s really nothing quite like smelly pet breath. You want to snuggle with your dog on the couch while you watch a compelling season finale, but his breath is so bad he’s either banished to the foot of the couch or to the floor.

Same deal with your cat – when her breath is bad, there is no way you’re willing to share your pillow with her. She can find another cozy place to settle in for the night.

Bad breath is the number one complaint of pet parents everywhere. It seems there is so little we can do to freshen their breath – I mean, take a deep whiff of their food! It’s no wonder their breath is a little more than we can bear!

And then there’s the fact of tooth brushing. We’re supposed to do it; in fact, we’re supposed to brush our cats’ and dogs’ teeth at least once daily, but few pet parents do. Brushing a dog or cat’s teeth is more can be a real hassle.

So think about what your breath would smell like – and what  your teeth and gums would look like – if you hadn’t brushed your teeth for, say, 3 years. What if your pet is even older – 10, 12, even 18 years. Think of all that plaque and tartar that has built up in their mouths! It’s no wonder their breath is killer.

What if there was one simple step you could take just once daily that would make your pets’ breath fresh like a puppy or kitten in just a few weeks? What if all you needed to do was balance the bacteria in your pets’ mouths and it would put an end to the foul breath?

It really is that simple with oral care probiotics. By simply sprinkling Teddy’s Pride Oral Care on your dog or cat’s food once daily, the beneficial bacteria in your pets’ mouths crowd out the bacteria that cause the volatile sulfur compounds that make dog and cat breath so smelly.